Event Dates
From: Saturday, June 20, 2026
To: Sunday, June 28, 2026
Chicago Gay Pride 2026
Chicago Gay Pride kicks off a week of celebrations with Pride Fest concerts and ends with a colourful parade through the city’s streets along with some epic circuit events.
Chicago Gay Pride 2026 is one of the biggest events in Chicago!
Chicago pride is one of the largest and most popular pride events in the USA and comes complete with over 200 different events, concerts, circuit parties and festivals.
- Visiting for Chicago Pride? Book your hotel in Lakeview, cose to all the city’s top attractions and on the doorstep of the city’s busiest gay bars.
Chicago Pride Month – June 2026
- The annual Chicago Pride Parade is the culmination of a busy Pride Month full of gay celebrations. Pride Fest kicks off a week long buildup in Boystown, while events like the Dyke March, Back Lot Bash and Pride North offer Pride weekend partying in alternative gayborhoods (Humboldt Park, Andersonville and Rogers Park, respectively).
- Events include sporting events, food tastings, parades, plays, musical performances, parties, queer youth gatherings, and ceremonies of all kinds.
- Traffic and road closures start early on parade morning—plan to rely on CTA trains, especially Red Line access at Sheridan or Belmont, to avoid congestion.
The Pride Parade
- Sunday June 28th, 2026 – On Sunday the roar of the crowd heralds the start of the Pride Parade, a dazzling cavalcade of diversity. The streets are lined 12 people deep as 750,000 people cheer the contingents on and enjoy the show, culture and experience!
- Book your stay in Lakeview early, close to all the pride events.
- The main parade begins on the final Sunday steps off from West Sheridan and North Broadway at 11 a.m. with 150 entries.
- It then continues south on Broadway, south on Halsted, east on Belmont, south on Broadway again, and east along Diversey to Cannon Drive.
- Hint! Grab a spot along Halsted to Belmont: Mid-route offers dense crowd interactions and float artistry.
Best place to view the Chicago Pride Parade
- For the liveliest viewing spots head to the Boystown section of North Halsted Street, between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street.
- If you are seeking a less crowded area to view the parade, look for your viewing spots near the beginning of the route along Broadway between Montrose Avenue and Sheridan Road or further along Broadway between Belmont Avenue and Diversey Parkway.
- Stay close to Northalsted and enjoy the Pride Parade at its best. Try the Majestic Hotel on West Brompton, or the Hotel Zachary on North Clark Street. Check out the top 10 hotels in Lakeview for more options.
Chicago Pridefest
- From: Saturday, June 20, 2026 To: Sunday, June 21, 2026 – Several large parties take place over the weekend leading up to the Chicago Pride main parade. Known as “Pridefest” the event should be on your Chicago Pride itinerary.
- The two day festival takes place in the gay village and comes complete with several stages featuring different live acts, appealing to all tastes.
Pride North Chicago Block Party
- Awaiting dates – Pride North Chicago is Chicago’s Largest North-side Neighborhood Pride Dance Party taking place each year in June. The city’s Northside gets into the act in the Glenwood Arts District – which runs from noon until 2 am and includes plenty of great entertainment.
Chicago Navy Pier Pride Festival
- Awaiting dates – Join Navy Pier for a pride filled day, one of the most popular parties in the city during the Chicago Pride festivities.
Bearracuda Chicago Pride Edition
- Saturday – Awaiting dates – Everyone’s favourite bear-friendly event, Bearracuda returns for a special Chicago Pride edition at Jackhammer.
Circuit Mom Pride After Party
- Awaiting dates – Sometimes, we never want the party to end, and so Circuit Mom is bringing you the ultimate closing event for Chicago Pride.
Furball Chicago Pride
- Awaiting dates – Furball, NYC’s infamous bear and fetish party, comes to Chicago for the annual pride celebrations.
WEPA / After Dark Pride Edition
- Awaiting Dates, typically Sunday – Luxuria Productions hosts a series of events during pride month including WEPA and After Dark during Pride Month.
Where to stay?
The following Chicago hotels are all close to the gay bars and clubs
The Peninsula Chicago, The Silversmith Hotel, Gray Hotel, Thompson Hotel.
Save on Hotels
Book early get the deal on hotels
Book now and pay on arrival.
Where we stay!
The Hyatt Regency is close to the
main events & offers superior rooms
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Chicago Gay Pride, visit The Website
Gay Map of Chicago
The area in Chicago with the most gay bars is Boys town offering over 20 bar, we have chosen hotels close to this area that have good revues on bookings.
Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
- Luxury hotel right off the Magnificent Mile in Chicago.
- Exceptional service and high-end amenities throughout.
- Rooms are spacious for downtown Chicago, with premium comforts.
- Excellent spa, indoor pool and fine dining on-site.
- Top choice for indulgence in Chicago.
- Website
Address: 21 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago,
- Boutique luxury hotel in Chicago’s Loop with Art Deco flair.
- Stylish rooms with modern amenities and generous bathrooms.
- Central location near business districts and cultural sites.
- On-site restaurant and rooftop bar elevate the experience.
- Ideal for travellers seeking sophistication and convenience.
- Website
Address:
- Luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Loop.
- Stylish interiors combining historic architecture and modern design.
- Rooms are well-appointed and service is highly rated.
- Fantastic location for sightseeing, dining and transit.
- Solid choice for comfort and style.
- Website
Address: 10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago,
- Boutique luxury hotel in the heart of the Loop.
- Historic character blended with modern comfort.
- Spacious, stylish rooms with premium touches.
- Warm, attentive service throughout the stay.
- Ideal base for exploring downtown Chicago.
- Website
Address: 933 West Belmont Avenue Chicago
- Boutique hotel located in Lakeview/Boystown near nightlife.
- Modern rooms with premium bedding, mini-fridge and free WiFi.
- Friendly, helpful staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Excellent location for dining, drinks and local culture.
- Great value for travellers seeking comfort and centrality in Chicago.
- Website
Address: 3434 North Broadway Chicago
- Well-located hotel in Chicago’s River near major attractions.
- Friendly service, clean rooms and good value for money.
- Comfortable amenities including rooftop deck/pool add appeal.
- Accessible to transit and dining—ideal for both business and leisure.
- Reliable choice for a convenient downtown stay.
- Website
Address: 528 West Brompton Avenue Chicago
- Boutique hotel in Lakeview East near Wrigley Field.
- Fresh, comfortable rooms with modern touches.
- Warm lobby with a relaxed, welcoming feel.
- Close to the lakefront and neighbourhood dining.
- Good value stay in a charming Chicago location.
- Website
Address: 3439 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Gay bar in Boystown with craft beer, bourbon and free arcade games.
- Strong social atmosphere with mixed local and visiting crowd.
- Casual yet energetic—starts early and runs late.
- Great choice for drinks, games and hangout rather than full clubbing.
- Reliable spot in Chicago’s gay nightlife scene for a fun evening out.
- Open: Daily 2pm-2am Friday & Saturday 2pm-3am
- Website
Address: 3359 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Gay bar-club in Boystown with large dance floor and bold décor.
- Craft beers, cocktails and lively themed nights.
- International gay crowd, friendly staff and social vibe.
- Spacious layout and standout design under cloud-style ceiling.
- Strong choice for a fun, energetic gay night out in Chicago.
- Open: Tuesday–Thursday 5pm–2am, Friday 4pm–2am
- Saturday 3pm–3am, Sunday 1pm–2am
Address: 3452 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Gay cocktail lounge in Boystown.
- Stylish space with a relaxed mood.
- Excellent crafted drinks and service.
- Great for conversation and social time.
- Strong pick for quality gay nights out.
- Open: Sunday–Thursday 6pm–2am,
- Friday 5pm–4am Saturday 5pm–5am
Address: 3729 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Gay bar in Boystown with warm neighbourhood energy.
- Karaoke nights and great drink specials.
- Fun mix of locals and visitors.
- Lively, social atmosphere into the night.
- Great spot for a relaxed, friendly gay evening out.
- Open: Monday–Friday 3pm–2am Saturday 12pm-3am
- Sunday 12pm–2am
Address: 3325 North Broadway Street Chicago
- lesbian bar with strong community roots in Chicago’s Boystown.
- Welcoming vibe, friendly staff and late-night hours.
- Karaoke/video-bar entertainment and casual drinks.
- Ideal for socialising rather than intense clubbing.
- Reliable choice for a comfortable, fun gay night out.
- Open: Monday–Friday 4pm–4am, Saturday 12pm–3am
- Sunday 12pm–2am
- Website
Address:
- Gay bar with western-country theme in Boystown.
- Drag shows, karaoke and line dancing drive the vibe.
- Lively, social crowd and strong late-night energy.
- Located in Chicago’s LGBTQ+ hub for easy nightlife access.
- Great for a fun, high-energy gay night out.
- Open: Daily 3pm–4am, Saturday 3pm–5am
- Website
Address:
- Gay bar in Boystown with a relaxed sports atmosphere.
- Friendly mix of locals and visitors.
- Pool tables, darts and plenty of screens.
- Casual setting with long opening hours.
- Ideal spot for social drinks in the neighbourhood.
- Open: Daily 11am–2am, Saturday 11am–3am, Sunday 11am–2am
Address: 3320 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Gay bar with vibrant themed nights and strong music.
- Vintage-inspired décor and a lively, diverse crowd.
- Great drink specials kick off the evening.
- Popular weekend destination in the gay district.
- Excellent choice for party-focused nights out.
- Open: Daily 8pm–2am, Sunday: 2pm–2am
Address: 3339 N Halsted St, Chicago
- Lively LGBTQ+ venue known for drag shows and themed events.
- Multiple bar areas and a dedicated dance zone for party energy.
- Located on North Halsted Street, central to Chicago’s queer nightlife.
- Friendly, inclusive crowd and strong nightlife appeal.
- Excellent for a bold night out with early start and long hours.
- Open: Monday–Wednesday 5 pm–close,
- Thursday & Friday 5 pm–2 am. Saturday 3 pm–3 am.
- Sunday 3 pm–close.
Address:
- Long-running male dancer venue in Chicago’s main gay district.
- Nightly shows attract regulars and out-of-towners alike.
- Music leans upbeat with a friendly, mixed-age crowd.
- Front bar feels intimate, stages add a lively contrast.
- Still a key stop on the Northalsted nightlife circuit.
- Open: Daily 6pm-2am, 6pm-3am Fri & Sat
- Website
Address: 3702 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Long-running leather venue in Northalsted.
- Front section is relaxed with games and conversation.
- Back space caters to the leather crowd late into the night.
- Music and drinks are straightforward and unfussy.
- Still an anchor of Chicago’s gay leather scene.
- Open: Daily 1pm-2am, Saturday 12pm-3am, Sunday 12pm-2am
Address: 3458 North Halsted Street Chicago
- High-energy gay nightclub in Chicago’s Northalsted district.
- Known for late nights, packed floors and busy weekends.
- Drag shows and guest DJs drive the programme.
- Inclusive crowd, mostly male but mixed.
- Still one of the biggest late-night players in the area.
- Open: Monday 8pm-4am, Thursday 8pm-4am
Friday 6:30pm-4am, Saturday 6:30pm-5am
Sunday 2pm-4am, (Tuesday Wednesday Closed)
Address: 3356 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Gay bar known for drag shows and late dancing.
- Early evenings feel relaxed before the crowds build.
- Weekends are lively with DJs and themed nights.
- Popular with both locals and travellers.
- Still going strong in the Northalsted strip.
- Open: Monday to Thursday 5pm-2am
- Friday 5pm-2/3am, Saturday 2pm-3am
- Website
Address:
- Sidetrack is a landmark gay venue in Northalsted.
- Famous for frozen cocktails and big video screens.
- Drag shows and themed nights shape the weekly programme.
- Spacious layout with indoor zones and a rooftop.
- Weekends grow loud, colourful and fun.
- Open: Monday–Friday 3pm-2am, Saturday 1pm-3am,
- Sunday 12pm-2am
Address:
- Wang’s is a cosy cocktail lounge in Lakeview.
- The room is dim, plush and intimate.
- Signature cocktails anchor the menu.
- A calm start before the louder venues nearby.
- A gay bar with an elegant, low-key mood.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 4pm-11pm, Friday–Saturday 4pm-12am
- Sunday 4pm-11pm
Recommended Hotels in Chicago By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Chicago that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The Peninsula Chicago
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star, Asian-Inspired Spa
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Spacious luxury, city views
- Luxurious Magnificent Mile location, Asian-inspired spa, award-winning dining, & city-view rooms.
The Silversmith Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4 Star, Theater District Proximity
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Contemporary design, refrigerator
- Ideal for theater & financial district visits, contemporary rooms, & close to major attractions.
Gray Hotel Chicago
4 Star, Great Value
- 4 Star, Rooftop Latin Cuisine
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- iPod dock, luxury bath
- Stay for the rooftop views, Latin-inspired cocktails, & rooms with iPod docks & luxury baths.
Thompson Chicago
4 Star, Location
- 4 Star, Steps from Michigan Avenue
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Modern guest room, mini bar
- Perfect for Michigan Avenue shopping & dining, modern rooms with minibars, in a boutique setting.
Chicago Gay Pride
Chicago Pride, a taste of what to expect!
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Chicago
Chicago, affectionately known as the “Windy City,” is a must-visit destination for LGBTQ+ travellers seeking a vibrant, welcoming, and diverse experience. The city is home to Northalsted (formerly Boystown), one of the first officially recognized gay villages in the United States. Remember, Chicago has an efficient public transit system, so you’ll have easy access to all the city offers no matter where you stay.
Northalsted | The Gay Village
Photo: Chicago’s Northalsted has a bar for all types and tastes.
- Located in the Lakeview East neighbourhood of Chicago, 5 miles north of downtown Chicago, or what locals refer to as “The Loop”.
- Northalsted is a hub for LGBTQ+ life and culture in Chicago, hosting Market Days and Chicago Pride.
- Easy to get to from downtown via public transit, 30 minutes by the CTA “L” train’s Red or Brown lines.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Chicago
The Loop
The heart of Chicago’s downtown and home to some of its most iconic landmarks with great hotels.
Magnificent Mile
Home to high-end hotels, shops & restaurants, the place for those who want to be in the middle of the action.
River North
A great place to stay if you’re a foodie or a fan of the arts, and close to the city’s best shopping.
Andersonville
Located to the north of Lakeview,filled with unique, locally-owned businesses and a quirky atmosphere.
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